4 answers
Jaelarae
Student
4
Questions
Asked
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What do you do when u come across writers block?
I'm interested in learning about what a day in a life is like for a writer, so far I have learned that writing is a good way to Express your feelings and a good way to connect with people, but I would also like to know what type of things do yall do when you come across writers block. #journalism #writer
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4 answers
Jon Weisman
PR, Writing, Editing
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jon’s Answer
The key is to write something -- anything. It doesn't have to be useful. Just get something down so that you're not staring at a blank page. Write a sentence. Write a word. Write about your feelings. Write about your frustrations that you can't think of what to say. Just do it to loosen up your mind, and then eventually, you'll circle back to where you need to be in terms of content.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
838
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Jaelarae,
Writer's block. Whatever your role as a writer, this will always be a challenge. When it happens, the best thing is to try and write through it. You should keep writing even as each word or sentence feels awful. It is important to know that writing is sometimes good and sometimes bad. You will go through ups and downs. The words will come. You just need to work through the bad times. One way to avoid this is to journal as a separate task. In a journal, you can complain about your writing not working and work through some solutions. Journaling is like exercising to your body. Exercise is not always fun, but it is a part of a healthy lifestyle.
If you still struggle for a period of time, then you might want to consider taking a break. Overwork is not beneficial. You should take breaks regularly and do non-writing related tasks. You can exercise in the short term. Take a day off and go do something fun if you have more time. I actually dance on a regular basis which can really take you out of yourself. I go to a class and learn a difficult dance (Flamenco). This can really clear your mind and allow creativity to come back to me after a class.
Finally, you should consider talking with others about the writing problem. Sometimes the solution in your mind needs input from the outside. You should try and have a group of people around you who can help you when the blocks come. Talking through your ideas outloud can be another route to good writing.
Gloria
Writer's block. Whatever your role as a writer, this will always be a challenge. When it happens, the best thing is to try and write through it. You should keep writing even as each word or sentence feels awful. It is important to know that writing is sometimes good and sometimes bad. You will go through ups and downs. The words will come. You just need to work through the bad times. One way to avoid this is to journal as a separate task. In a journal, you can complain about your writing not working and work through some solutions. Journaling is like exercising to your body. Exercise is not always fun, but it is a part of a healthy lifestyle.
If you still struggle for a period of time, then you might want to consider taking a break. Overwork is not beneficial. You should take breaks regularly and do non-writing related tasks. You can exercise in the short term. Take a day off and go do something fun if you have more time. I actually dance on a regular basis which can really take you out of yourself. I go to a class and learn a difficult dance (Flamenco). This can really clear your mind and allow creativity to come back to me after a class.
Finally, you should consider talking with others about the writing problem. Sometimes the solution in your mind needs input from the outside. You should try and have a group of people around you who can help you when the blocks come. Talking through your ideas outloud can be another route to good writing.
Gloria
John Lowe
Teacher
56
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
John’s Answer
Read the good writing. Put on Mozart when you are writing. Write your first draft in long hand with pen and paper. . . . Always be reading. As someone said, "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." So it's as vital for a writer to read as it is for an athlete to work out.
Steve Taniguchi
Business Operations Specialist
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Steve’s Answer
The other answers here are great, I just want to add my suggestion of writing what you know or like first. When I have a writing assignment, I often just start typing a simple introduction, almost as a placeholder, so at least have something. Then, start digging into the portion that stands out most to you, or that you're most excited about. This piece should come out much easier, and help you get into a groove. Once you have this portion out, it should help to inform what (if any) introduction and or conclusion you need, making those easier to write.
Another suggestion is to do a bit more research. When I find myself unable to start a document, I sometimes find that I'm not confident that I have a good understanding of what is needed. Going back to my notes or source documents can help dig up or refresh the important details that need to be written.
Lastly, I would say to write all that you can, and then switch gears for the rest of the day. I find that when I am having trouble writing, a good nights sleep helps me to see the doc again with fresh eyes. This often helps me to figure out exactly how to get my thoughts on to the page, and to catch mistakes that I didn't find previously.
Hope this helps - Good luck!
Another suggestion is to do a bit more research. When I find myself unable to start a document, I sometimes find that I'm not confident that I have a good understanding of what is needed. Going back to my notes or source documents can help dig up or refresh the important details that need to be written.
Lastly, I would say to write all that you can, and then switch gears for the rest of the day. I find that when I am having trouble writing, a good nights sleep helps me to see the doc again with fresh eyes. This often helps me to figure out exactly how to get my thoughts on to the page, and to catch mistakes that I didn't find previously.
Hope this helps - Good luck!